Gita Mandir
Beautification of Geeta Mandir campus and its surrounding areas
GEETA MANDIR HISTORY AND ITS SIGNIFICANCE:
Gita Mandir is situated in the eastern part of Guwahati city on a hillock of the Mother Teresa Road (formerly Zoo-Narengi Road). The temple, having a huge tourist potential, is situated on the Bamuni Pahar surrounded by the valuable teak and Sal trees that maintains the ecological balance in the entire residential area. The concept was conceived by late Dr. Mahendra Mohan Choudhary, then the Chief Minister of Assam and Governor of Punjab during the1960s. Gita Samaj committee was formed in October, 1969 for all the religious and charitable purposes of the temple. Approximately, 25 bighas of land was allocated to the temple complex thereafter and the foundation stone was laid on 6th December, 1971 of the guest house and library block of the temple. On the 15th of April, 1975, the foundation stone of the temple was laid by then Chief Minister of Punjab, Giani Zail Singh, and he also inaugurated the temple on 11th December, 1981 when he was the President of India. The guest house and the library were inaugurated later in 1992.
ARCHITECTURE OF THE TEMPLE:
The temple was conceptualised in the lines with the temples of Mathura in the shape of a chariot indicating the Divine Chariot of the Lord Krishna, with the Mahabharat depictive entrance gate carved by the famous idol maker of Calcutta. The idea of choosing the site, which is located currently, was that it offers some panoramic views with some lush green surroundings. However, the site lost all the views after the encroachment in the adjoining hill areas for development.